2019 Reading

I read 31 books in 2019 and the entire New Testament to finish my goal of reading the Bible.

The Bible

In April of 2013 I started reading the book of Genesis with the goal of reading the Bible cover to cover.  Just shy of 7 years later, I accomplished my goal!  It has been such a commitment, experience and period of discovery.  I have had dry spells, can't get enough spells, and lukewarm to the idea of it spells.  But isn't that our journey of faith?  Discovery, and falling in love over and over with God and his word?

Revelation

John wrote Revelation from the seven churches as told to by Jesus with 7 gold lampstands with a "son of man" like figures dressed in a robe with a gold band with 7 stars

• 7 lampstands = 7 churches; 7 stars = 7 angels of the churches
• Letter to each church
• Ephesus = work hard and dismantle false teachers, but need love again
• Smyrna = do not be afraid of the suffering to come and keep faithfulness
• Pergamum = some following teaching other than Jesus; turn back to Jesus
• Thyatira = let a false teacher lead people astray; they will be thrown out others must stay loyal as they have been growing in love, faith, service and patience
• Sardis = doing less than what God wants, so wake up
• Philadelphia = little strength; have obedience; liars will bow before you
• Laodicea = lukewarm; be hot or cold!
• John sees heaven
• Throne of heave with someone who looked as precious stones
• 24 other thrones with elders in white with gold crowns
• Lightening, noise and thunder
• 7 burning lamps = 7 spirits of God
• Sea of glass before throne
• 4 creatures with eyes all over
• All worship God
• Scroll closed with 7 seals
• Lamb only worth to open
• With each seal something came or occurred for the next steps
• 12,000 from each of the 12 tribes of Israel are marked as those who serve God
• Crowd of people from everywhere worship God
• The 7th seal is broken, silence, then 7 angels blow trumpets
• 1=hail and fire with blood
• 2=fire mountain into the sea
• 3=burning star fell (Wormwood)
• 4=1/3 of the sea, moon and stars struck
• 5=star fell into big hole of darkness
• 6=free 4 angels to kill and small scroll
• 7=rule, judgement, worship, lightening, noise, thunder, earthquake and hail
• Michael and the angels fought the red dragon (Satan) and his angels and sent them down to earth out of heaven
• Do not love your life so much you are afraid of death
• Dragon/devil was searching for a woman who had given birth but she was taken care of
• 2 beasts sent to be destructive on earth
• 144,000 save and follow the lamb
• 3 angels with messages
• Earth is harvested by angels
• 7 angels bring the last 7 disasters = bowls of God's anger
• 1=sores
• 2=sea to blood and everything in it died
• 3=rivers and springs become blood
• 4=sun burning powers
• 5=thrown of the beast and darkness
• People cursed God and didn't change their hearts
• 6=river dried for kings to come
• 7=air changed and thunder, lightening, noise and earthquake
• God's punishment of what they deserved
• Babylon is destroyed; merchants have no market
• Praise God, the people in heaven do
• Do not worship angels for they are God's servants like us
• Threw the devil/dragon into the pit and closed it for 1,000 years
• Mark of the beast on some people
• First raising of the dead
• Then the beast is released after 1,000 years to trick the nations
• Judged the dead and world; those not in the book of life are thrown into the lake of fire
• New heaven and new earth; God will dwell there with people with no tears or death from old ways are gone
• New Jerusalem
• 2nd death
• Jesus is coming soon

It's Not What You Think

I really enjoyed this book's perspective.  It is just a author's interpretation of their understanding of the Bible, but it was good perspective and thinking.  I just remind myself that the Bible is the true answer and authority.  As I read other books, I must keep checking the Bible to be sure I'm not being led astray. 

But this book was a quick read with good perspective and thoughts.

Love Does

I enjoyed this book and his passion for others and doing things.  It was clear he comes from a perspective of having the funds for wild adventure.  I'm sure he's worked hard for that and prioritizes well.  It made me think of an example of to whom much is given, much is expected.  But I had a hard time imagining incorporating big actions in this book into my life.

Jude

• Fight to keep your faith
• People in your group are sinful and misleading
• Remember the destruction of the Old Testament
• False teachers blame others and do evil
• Show mercy to others
• Praise God and stay in His love

3 John

• Help fellow believers teaching the Good News

2 John

• Love each other; obey God's command
• False teachers won't say Jesus came as a human to Earth

2 Peter

• God gives us blessings, so in our lives we need to add faith - goodness - knowledge - self-control - patience - service to God - kindness to brothers and sisters in Christ - love
• Prophecy came from God by the Holy Spirit through the prophets
• False teachers are sinful
• Wants to help Christians remember
• God is being patient with people for He doesn't want them to be lost
• Be ready and look forward to the second coming
• Keep your faith
• Don't wrongly interpret Paul's letters

1 Peter

• Blessings cannot be destroyed and are kept in heaven
• Faith is shown pure in troubles
• Before we know we follow evil ways; now tat we know, we must live a holy life
• As babies want milk, want the teachings; Jesus is the cornerstone
• Live for God, obey authority
• Respect our spouse; wives be holy to influence; not influential by clothes and/or jewelry
• Suffer for doing right = blessed
• Respect Christ, be ready to explain your hope with gentleness and respect
• Strengthen yourself as Christ did to withstand evil desires
• Love will cause sins to be forgiven
• Suffering because a Christian trust and faith gets you through
• Watch over your people humbly as an example not as a ruler
• Give your worries to God

a hope more powerful than the sea

This was a heavy book that stirs compassion.  It's a true story of a journey that is awful (and that is putting it lightly). 

It is something I wish more people would read, embrace and think on in a world that is so quick to judge and hate. 

It reminds of the saying I once heard "there's not a person you wouldn't love if you know their story."

Faithful: Christmas Through the Eyes of Joseph

Our church's Advent Bible Study is reading this book.  While I don't attend the Bible Study class with other folks, I do read along.  And our Pastor preaches on this lesson for the week on Sunday's too, so I enjoy following along.

However, I did not love this youth study book version.  I found it only loosely connected to Joseph and distracted from the story of Joseph with many other stories along the way.  Each with their own merit, but I wish I'd just read the original book in place of this.

James

• Trouble should equal joy for troubles test our faith and give us patience
• Doubters are like waves in the sea; thinkin in 2 different directions at once and being undecided
• Poor proud because rich in spirit; rich proud because shown spiritually poor
• God does not tempt anyone; lead to sin by our own evil desire
• Listen, study and obey God's word
• Care for orphans and widows and stay free of evil
• Do not make some people more important than others
• Disobey a command and it is like you've broken all the commands
• Faith without action is nothing/dead
• Deeds alone don't show belief; demons believe in on God too
• Faith made perfect in action; they work together
• Control your tongue, we all make mistakes but good and bad shouldn't come from the same source
• True wisdom is pure, peaceful, gentle and easy to please
• Selfish desires lead us away from God
• Come near to God and God will be near to you
• Don't judge
• Knowing the right thing and not doing it is sin
• Worldly riches don't last
• Be patient and watch your words
• Prayer is powerful

Hebrews

• God spoke through prophets before Jesus; then the Son reflected the Glory of God
• The Son is greater than all of the Angels; angles worship the Son
• Lord will remain even when Earth and skies are destroyed and He will never change
• Angels are spirits who serve God and help those who will receive salvation
• Don't stray from trust; salvation is great
• God -> Jesus -> Angels -> People
• Jesus became lower than angels as human; suffered and died for us; then rose to be at God's right hand
• Jesus didn't help the angels
• Jesus was the high priest on Earth
• Jesus no can help those who are tempted because He suffered and was tempted
• Jesus is greater than Moses; builder is greater than the house; God is builder of every thing
• Keep the faith until final rest; don't turn away
• Nothing can be hidden from God
• Jesus is our high priest, chosen by God, an honor, sacrifice for eternal salvation because of his obedience and perfection
• Move forward in learning and teaching to grow
• Do not leave the faith and sin shaming God; work hard until Hope and God's promise are reached
• God cannot lie in promise or oath; He is our safety and hope to anchor our soul
• Priest Melchizedek, means King of Goodness and King of Peace and no one knows who his parents were, when he was born or when he died; he continues to be a priest forever
• Abraham gave Melchizedek 1/10 of everything from battle even though he wasn't from the tribe of Levi
• Jesus is like Melchizedek and is priest forever bringing us near to God
• Jesus the priest is unlike the other priests who had to make sacrifices daily for Jesus offered himself
• Jesus is at the right hand of God
• God made a new agreement with us through Jesus
• Reminder of the Old Agreement and the Holy Tent with the Ark
• A will is useless until someone dies
• Christ bring a new agreement; blood cleanses and shows death of sins
• Holy Place replaced with heaven = most Holy Place
• Christ death takes away sin
• Christ second coming is for those waiting for salvation
• Trust God, don't turn back; help others and go to church
• Faith is being sure of things we hope for knowing it is real even though we can't see it
• Cannot please God without faith
• Go to God believing He is real and knowing he rewards those who seek Him
• Examples of faith from any people in scripture
• God has something better planned for us
• Keep the faith; follow the examples before us, follower Jesus example; remove things that hold us back
• Let God's discipline teach and change us
• Live with God in mind
• God's kingdom cannot be shaken but everything created will be
• Welcome strangers; remember those suffering and in prison; keep your marriage pure
• Strengthen your heart with God's grace, not food rules

The American Heiress

I wasn't so sure about this book for sections of it.  In my Bible reading lately, I'd been learning a little about the mere following of the law doesn't make our hearts right.  And with the rigid expectations of positions and appearances it was a great example of just because everything look good on the outside and rules were followed, hearts weren't in the right place.  Ultimately the ending brought it altogether so I didn't dislike the book anymore. Maybe I never really disliked the books, but I certainly wasn't excited about it for period of time either.

Philemon

• A letter from Paul and Timothy to Philemon, a sister and a fellow worker
• Philemon is full of faith and love for others
• Paul doesn't want to give orders, but wanted Philmont to work with Onesimus
• Onesimus was a slave, now a useful servant

Titus

• Paul write to Titus
• Titus is appointing elders in towns; elders must have only 1 wife and believing children
• Elders hold onto what is true and can tell others when their ways are wrong
• Paul tells Titus to encourage the people: young and old; men and women - to be wise and true; to show they serve God and are waiting for hope and the coming of Jesus
• Don't speak evil and do goo
• Don't follow the enjoyment of your body, but remember the kindness and love of God and do good deeds
• Also Titus, help others teaching the Good News

2 Timothy

• Paul encourages Timothy
• Timothy comes from a family of faith
• They serve sharing the Good News
• Avoid evil and quarreling and do good
• In the last days, believers will turn away and turn to evil
• Follow the teachings, use the scripture to guide your life; keep the faith

1 Timothy

• A letter from Paul to Timothy
• Stay and tell them not to spend time on false teachings but on faith items
• God shows mercy when we believe
• Jesus is patient
• Don't shipwreck your faith
• Pray for believers and leaders
• Men: pray without anger or arguments
• Women: do good deeds, not fancy clothes
• Women should be quiet and not teach because of Eve, but saved through children
• What qualifies someone to be an elder and deacon
• Don't follow false teachers
• Serve other and serve God for it helps you in every way in this life and the future
• Treat others with respect as parents and siblings
• Care for windows who are alone, let families care for their own windows
• Families should care for each other so the church can care for those without family
• Don't share in others sin
• Some sins and deeds aren't easily seen until later
• Want of money leads you astray; serving God makes us very rich

2 Thessalonians

• Paul, Silas and Timothy brag of the Thessalonians to other churches for they stand in suffering and trouble
• When they Lord comes, non-believers will be punished
• Man of Evil will come and turning away from God by the people before the Lord will come again
• Man of Evil from Stan and will do false miracles, signs and wonders
• Stand strong and believe Good news teachings
• Pray the Good News keeps spreading
• Be willing to work for yourself, but don't treat those who don't as enemies, but warn them as fellow believers

1 Thessalonians

• Thessalonians believed and stopped worshipping idols and spread the Good News
• Paul uses his words to try to please God, not people
• Paul accepted them as the word of God, not just people
• Paul wants to visit again, but is glad when Timothy brings good news of them back to him
• Live a life pleasing to God, no sexual sin
• Take care of your business and you will be respected
• When the Lord comes again, those who have died first will go before those still living
• The Lord's coming will be a surprise but believers should be prepared and not asleep; faith, love and hope will protect us in the coming of the Lord
• Appreciate hard workers
• Live in peace
• Encourage the afraid
• Help the weak
• Be patient
• Don't return wrong with wrong
• Keep what is good, stay away from evil

Love Beyond Reason

This book took me awhile.  It had a more academic reading/feel to it and I had a more difficult time staying engaged and following along.  It's a busy season, and I'm tired in the evenings so my mind wanders and often falls asleep.  It certainly had good points in it, and I'm sure I missed some great points too as I lost focus on the reading.

Colossians

• Paul writes to the people of Colossee wishing grace and peace and thanking them for their faith, hope and love
• Christ is first; all things are created through Him and for Him; Christ first rose from the dead and made us friends with God again
• Christ is our only hope for glory; so we share all God's teachings with other people to bring everyone to God
• Paul in body is away from them, but with them in heart
• Be strong in faith as taught and thankful
• Don't be fooled by human teaching
• Don't follow rules of people about eating, drinking, feats; hold tight to Christ - the rules don't really control sinful desires as they aim to
• Paul tells of how you should live with your new life in Christ: think only of heaven, stop evil things for doing them is like serving a false God, forgive, love, everything you do, do for the Lord
• Treat other people well
• Always be kind and pleasant with talking with others
• Paul tells of the people whit him and who he sends to the people
• Share the letter with the church

Christianity and World Religions

On a long drive back from SC, I read most of this book aloud to Keith as we drove to learn and little and connect with something bigger than us that impacts how we treat others.  Our church was also working through this book as the fall Bible study.  While I don't attend the regular Bible study gatherings, I do try to read along with what several other church members are reading, so this let Keith join in too! 

I had taken a couple religion courses in college and always enjoyed them.  I do still enjoy learning about this and reading more.  And I think it deepens my understanding in my own faith, learning about theirs.  It also, takes down some of the unknows that can build fear, and opens up the value and understanding in knowing your global and next door neighbors and loving others regardless of their religious beliefs.  And I'd dare to say differences in many beliefs, political, educational or otherwise.

Philippians

• Paul opens his letter wishing them grace and peace from prison
• Paul prays joy and thanks for these people in Philippi and prays for their love and understanding and the work God is doing in them
• Paul in prison helps spread the Good News; people are more bravely sharing the message
• Some are sharing Good News for the wrong reason, but the message is still being shared
• Be unselfish like Christ; be humble
• Hoping Timothy and Epaphroditus are sent to them soon for they work in Jesus
• Paul strictly followed the law as a Pharisee, then he learned of Christ and was made right
• Paul is continuing toward Christ's goal for him, but he hasn't yet reached it
• Our homeland is in heaven
• Christians should be full of joy in the Lord, be gentle and kind; don't worry about anything; pray about everything; give thanks; God will bring peace
• Think about good and worthy things
• Paul is tankful for their care and giving
• Paul can live in poverty and plenty with strength of Christ
• Paul isn't wanting gifts, but wants Christians to have the good that comes from giving

Ephesians

• God chose His people before Jesus in love; He has given us every blessing with Jesus
• Heaven & Earth joined together; Christ is the head
• Holy Spirit is guarantee of God's promise
• We are all sinful and deserve God's anger for our sin; but God's mercy is great and He gave us new life with Christ
• We cannot save ourselves
• Christ broke down the barriers between Jews and non-Jews
• God's love is more than we can understand
• Christ gave gifts to people, the body of Christ to grow each other in peace and love toward Christ's perfection
• Change your life; know Biblical truth not false prophets; don't steal; don't say harmful words; be kind, loving & forgive
• Live a life of love
• No sexual sin; don't talk of other dark sins
• Be careful how you live
• Husbands love your wives as you love yourselves; wives respect your husbands
• Children obey parents; parents teach your kids about the Lord
• Slaves and masters: treat each other well
• Wear the amour of God

Galatians

• Paul wishes grace and peace to others
• Beware of things other than the Good News for they should be judged guilty
• Paul does not get advice from people
• Paul only met Peter and James, no other apostles
• Paul & Titus stood against spies and false believers in their group
• Peter told Jews; Paul told non-Jews
• To God everyone is the same importance
• If we could be made right with God by the law, Christs death would be unnecessary
• Law cannot save, faith does
• God's agreement stands firm even before the law
• Law is a guide to faith
• Paul loves the Christians and is sad when they turn away
• We are like children of Sara, for God and free; not slaves like children of Hagar
• Christ made us free, do not go back to slavery
• If we are with Christ, faith is key
• Spirit and sinful selves are against each other
• Must follow the Spirit
• Must avoid sinful choices and follow the fruits of the Spirit
• Help fellow Christians who are struggling
• Judge only your own actions, not others
• You only harvest what you plant
• When there is opportunity to help others, do it
• Do not grow tired of doing good so you can harvest eternal life
• Circumcision doesn't matter, don't let others tell you different

2 Corinthians

• Begins with thanks for God (just as in 1 Corinthians)
• Paul's plans to visit Corinth changed, but God's always constant
• Paul didn't write the firs time to make them sad, but to show his love (he was troubled and unhappy)
• Forgive those who sin against you
• Share victory in Christ; don't sell it
• The law brings death; Spirit gives life
• Law had glory; Spirit has even more glory
• Death is working within us, but so is life; trouble around, but we are not defeated
• Spirit is new in us everyday
• We want our heavenly home; what we cannot see
• Goal is to please God, we will receive what we should, good or bad
• Out of our minds for God
• Tell others of peace from God
• Don't let the grace you received be for nothing
• Be careful being attached to non-believers for they are different than believers
• Paul had joy in the change his letters brought to the people; he was sorry at first because it made them sad, but their sorrow was short and brought change in their lives
• Share in your abundance; when you are in need others will share their abundance
• Titus helps
• Help your fellow Christians
• Paul says our weapons are power from God
• Don't brag about anything but the Lord
• Paul wants to give others to Christa as a pure bride, but people are so willing to accept false teaching
• Some workers lie and change to be like apostles of Christ, but they lie
• Paul has been beaten and lived without food and clothes
• Paul will brag on his weakness
• Paul won't brag of himself so people won't think of him more than his message
• Paul brags only of his weakness because then God's power shines through
• Paul had a painful physical problem he begged God to remove, but it kept Paul weak; God's grace is enough
• Paul loves the Christians and wants to teach them and not be a burden to them, but to give to them
• Test yourself and your faith
• Paul wants to build people up, not tear down

All the Light We Cannot See

I heard a lot of good things about this book; I wanted to love this book.  I liked the story line.  But it just never pulled me in.  It took me almost 2 months to read this, granted it was a very busy time of year, but still along time.  It never had that page turner feel to it where I couldn't put it down.  It jumped around a lot between characters and time periods and had very short chapters.  It was a good book, but it did not become one of my favorites as I had thought it might.

1 Corinthians

• Paul is thankful to God for Jesus; Jesus keeps us strong to the end
• Paul l earns of problems and arguments in the church; who each group say they follow: Paul, Apollos, Christ - Christ should be the answer (Paul & Apollos aren't important)
• Paul came to teach nervous and trembling so you'd know it was God's wisdom through the Spirit
• Spirit - inner knowing (only the Spirit knows the deep secrets of God); we really can know God through the Spirit
• Only our inner spirit knows our inner thoughts; Spirit teaches us
• Not spiritual if quarreling; talked to like babies without the Spirit
• Paul planted seed; Apollos waters it; Only God makes it grow (God important; not Paul or Apollos)
• Paul & Apollos are God's workers, will be rewarded, but not important
• Wisdom of the world is foolishness to God
• Apostles serve Christ and feel las in the world
• Don't associate with believers who cheat, sin sexually, are greed, abuse or worship idols; don't want evil among you, but it will be in the world in non-believers because to avoid them you'd have to leave the world
• Solve problems among believers in the church, not in court
• We can do all tings, but not all things are good for us
• Your body is connected with Christ, do don't sin sexually to sin against your own body
• Your body is a temple
• God says no divorce, please your husband/wife
• Paul says single is better unless you are too overcome with sexual desire
• Don't cause another believer to do something they think is wrong because you think it is okay (i.e. eating meat)
• Learn from Israel's past
• God will give you a way out when tempted
• Do what is good for the most people, not just yourself
• Woman came from man and for man
• Wait for each other to eat in the church; dot use it to display your abundance; if you're really hungry, eat at home to avoid judgement
• Spirit gives different gifts to different people
• Out gifts are like part of 1 body, all needed, important and working together for God
• I am nothing without love
• Out gifts will end; they are not perfect
• Faith, hope and love continue forever, love is the greatest
• You should want spiritual gits, especially prophecy for it helps the church grow stronger
• Speaking in languages isn't useful if people don't understand, use only if there's an interpreter
• Women shouldn't speak at church, but ask their husbands at hoe
• Christ was human and raised from the dead so humans can be raised from the dead
• If we aren't raised from the dead, there isn't much to live for
• Earthly body and heavenly body
• Work for God is never wasted
• Be strong in faith and have courage

Out of the Spin Cycle

It took me quite awhile to get through these devotions, but they were so great.  And I'd recommend it for any mom. 

Romans

·         Paul goes to share the Good News to the Romans who God seeks too

·         All people are sinful, don’t give thanks or glory to God

·         God judges all the same; when we judge, we judge ourselves guilty too because we are also sinful

·         A true Jew is a Jew on the inside too, not just outside (circumcision)

·         God trusted Jews with His laws, but having the law isn’t enough, following it is, but we cannot be made right with the law, the law shows us our sin

·         We are made right by faith in Jesus

·         Abraham’s FAITH made him right with God not works or deeds

·         Abraham is father of all believers, circumcised and not

·         Faith in God through Jesus is enough

·         Because of Jesus: faith = peace, grace, hope, joy

·         Trouble produce patience; patience produces character; character products hope; hope = no disappointment

·         Jesus made us God’s friends again (not anger enemies)

·         Adam’s 1^st act = sin; Jesus 1^st act = salvation

·         We shared Jesus death in our baptism – new life, old life dead so sin doesn’t have power over us

·         Not under law (sin); under God’s grace

·         Not slaves to sin; slaves to goodness

·         Law showed us what sin is; sin used something good (law) to bring death

·         Sin & goodness in each of us warring for our time and attention (mind=slave to God’s law; sinful self = slave to the law of sin)

·         Follow the spirit, not sin; Spirit helps you avoid sinful ways

·         God will finish making us His children in glory = freedom

·         Hope is what we cannot see

·         We don’t know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit speaks for us

·         The law cannot make you right with God

·         Believe in our hearts and proclaim with our mouths so we are saved

·         God calls people to share the Good News

·         God of mercy

·         Pray; love; use your gifts; be humble; work for God; don’t punish others; help others

·         Obey the law and rules put there by God

·         Owe others nothing but love

·         Loving your neighbor is following all other rules; love doesn’t hurt a neighbor

·         Don’t’ criticize other’s methods for following God

·         Do not cause other to sin

·         Paul wants to reach those who haven’t heard the Good News, not build on someone else’s start

·         Paul needs prayer support from others in his work

Acts

• Luke writes another book about what Jesus tells the followers after the resurrection
• Jesus was lifted up to heaven, hidden by a cloud
• Apostles chose Mathias as their 12th to replace Judas
• Pentecost: the Holy Spirit came and they all spoke different languages, many people were there from many areas and languages but they all head them in their native tongue
• Peter talks about all this fulfilling prophecy
• Believers are together, sharing everything and adding new believers daily
• Peter heals a ma begging at the temple gate who begins walking and praising God
• Peter asks why people are surprised at the healing for they just sent Jesus to die, but they did not know and the prophecy must come true
• Peter and John are arrested for their teaching; the Holy Spirit guided their words; isn't it good a man was healed?  all because of Jesus
• Only Jesus saves
• Jewish leaders didn't want message of Peter and John to spread and told them not to speak, but they refused, obeyed God and continued to speak
• When released Peter and John went to their group of believers who prayed for the situation
• Believers lived in community and shared everything
• A couple lied about the amount of money they sold their land for and both died
• Apostles heal many
• Apostles were arrested and angels let them out during the night to continue teaching at the temple
• A teacher warned the leaders to no fight them; for they may be fighting God Himself and if not, human plans will fail
• Apostles were joyful they could suffer for Jesus
• Leaders are selected in the group of believers so the apostles can keep teaching
• Stephen, one of the leaders, is accused but he spoke with the Spirit
• Stephen gave a speech about Abraham and Moses and the Old Testament prophecy coming true and the people were still stubborn and un-listening
• The people became mad and stoned Steven to death as he asked God to take his spirit and not hold sins against those throwing stones at him
• Trouble came from the believers and they were scattered around, but they kept teaching and sharing the Good News
• Philip (not apostle) was teaching in Samaria and a magician, Simon, believed, but tried to buy the power to heal and give the Holy Spirit; Philip told him to change his ways because it cannot be bought
• Simon goes on to teach an important Ethiopian on the road who was reading Isaiah; Simon baptizes him
• Saul persecuted believers and was arresting them and taking them to Jerusalem, but walking one day saw a bright light, heard Jesus and was blinded
• Saul's group led him to Damascus where as Jesus said, Ananias came and gave sight when fish scale like somethings fell from his eyes
• Saul stays with the followers and begins preaching, growing number of believers
• Peter heals a paralyzed Aeneas
• Peter heals Tabitha who was always kind and did good deeds and gave her life
• Cornelius, a good man, sees an angel that tells him to find Simon Peter so he does and brings him back
• Angela appear to Simon Peter and tell him God was made things clean and go with them without hesitation
• They all learn anyone can believe and be saved, not just Jews
• Peter goes back and shared that message about all countries able to be saved
• Barnabas and Saul taught at Antioch for 1 year where we were first called Christians
• Herod ordered James killed by sword; the Jews liked it so he arrested Peter too; the church prayed for Peter
• The night before the trial, an angel came and walked Peter out of jail; Peter went to Mary's house where people were gathered praying then left for somewhere else
• Herod couldn't find Peter and ordered the guards who were watching him killed
• Herod made a speech the people said came from the voice of God; Herod didn't give glory to God and got sick, ate by worms, and died
• Believers fasted and prayed and Barnabas and Saul are selected for special work and sent out
• Barnabas and Saul encountered a magician who wanted to hear God's message, but he was against them and struck blind
• Paul gives a speech about God, history and Jesus
• Jews were against Christians
• Paul and Barnabas continue teaching
• God shows His love for all nations with rain and crops
• To God, non-Jews and Jews are the same with a clean heart when they believe (ex: no circumcision needed)
• Continued teaching and revisited the churches and those who had become believers to encourage them with strength and news of more believers
• Timothy, who traveled with Paul, had parents of different countries/faiths - Jewish turned believer and Greek, he was also circumcised as an adult
• Paul sees a vision and knows where to travel next to tell the Good News
• Lydia's mind is opened and she believed
• Paul and Silas sent a demon from an enslaved girl and her owners then knew she wouldn't make money for them so they had Paul and Silas arrested
• During the night an earthquake broke open the jail and cells and the guard was going to kill himself when they stopped him because they were all still there
• The guard believed and took them to his house
• Paul was preaching Old Testament scriptures, those of prophecy
• Jews were angry about growing believers and made Jason (housing Paul and Silas) pay a sum of money for believers to go free
• Some town and people were more willing to hear the Good News than others
• Paul taught in Corinth for 1.5 years and was a tentmaker with Aquilla and Priscilla
• There were lots of believers who didn't travel around sharing Good News (i.e. it's okay to do work where you are here and not travel as a missionary too)
• Apollos believed and was teaching about God, but Aquilla and Priscilla helped him to know more and teach a better way
• Apollos taught the baptism of John (changed hears and lives for what is to come (Jesus)) until Aquilla and Priscilla taught him
• On his late night in town, Paul stayed up late talking with people
• Paul hurried and chose routes to not be late to Pentecost in Jerusalem
• Paul was committed to follow Holy Spirit and share the Good News at the cost of his own life
• People tried to stop Paul from going because he was wanted dead, but Paul was ready to give everything for the Good News
• Paul is attacked by the angry mob and arrested because of the trouble he is causing
• The commander thought he was someone else who had done something wrong because hw wasn't the arresting commander, he let Paul speak to the Jews
• Paul tells his tory as a Jew who persecuted believers, was struck blind, believed, could see and taught non-Jews the Good News
• The Jewish leaders want to know why people hate him so, because he believers people rise from the dead
• 40+ Jews plot to kill Paul and fast until it is done, but Paul's nephew learns of this plan and warns him
• Commander is protecting Paul because he was born a Roman citizen and only broke Jewish laws, not Roman law
• Jews saw Paul as a troublemaker, but Jews and Paul and Christians believe in the same God
• Felix the governor was curious and learning from Paul's speaking, but didn't judge him innocent, kept him guarded but with some freedoms and spent time talking and sharing together
• Felix left Paul in prison to please the Jews then he was replaced as governor
• Festus, new governor, sees Paul and his accusers and at Paul's request agree to sent him to Cesar since they can't find fault with Paul
• Before Paul went to Cesar, King Agrippa wanted to hear what Paul had to say
• Festus doesn't know what to write to Cesar since he found nothing against Paul (He didn't break Roman law.) but the Jews want him dead
• Paul tells his story and King and Festus know he could go free, but Paul wanted to see Cesar
• Paul sails for Rom, a big storm came, carrying them for 2 weeks and an angel told Paul they would be safe but the ship would not be
• Paul's journey to Rome was several moths and lots of healing happened in Malta on the way
• In Rome, Paul met with the Jewish leaders and some believed, some did not
• The Jewish leaders in Rome had heard of his group of believers but nothing to take him to trial
• Paul stayed and preaching in Rome in a rented house for 2 years

Lost Roses

I finished this book, sort of a prequel to Lilac Girls, late last week.  It was an excellent read.  I didn't get as sucked in as well as I did with Lilac Girls.  But it has stayed in my mind since I finished reading it, and has sparked a curiosity with understanding a bit more of Russian history as a result of reading this one.  I am not excited about reading her next published book!

We Must Be Brave

I finished this book last week. I hadn't heard of this book and picked it up on a whim at the library when I was there with my girls.  Rarely do I get library books for myself there.  I have a stack plenty big at home to read and who knows if I'll get it read on time to return it, but it was good read.  It isn't my fast favorite or anything like that, but it was a very good read.  I did struggle with some of the writing and the English culture clues I had to think on a little harder since it isn't normal for me, but the story was compelling and sucked me write in.  I cried through parts of it in a way that makes me know I'd have to make similar choices in the best interest of the children. 

John

• Jesus is the light of the world and was there at creation
• When Jesus came His own people didn't recognize Him
• John tells people about Jesus and that he is unworthy to even untie Jesus sandals
• Jesus starts collecting followers
• Jesus performed His first miracle at a wedding turning water into wine when His mother let Him know the wine had run out
• Jesus went to the temple and Jerusalem for Passover and He knew all people
• Jesus love for the temple motivated Him to throw out the money changes and corrupt business buying and selling in the temple
• A Pharisee, Nicodemus, comes to Jesus and believes He is from God, but even as an important Jewish leader, didn't understand
• We must be born again to enter the kingdom of heaven (Holy Spirit)
• Jesus and John the Baptist were baptizing followers and John was happy more were going to Jesus: Jesus = more important, John = less important
• God gave Jesus the Spirit fully
• Believe Jesus = eternal life
• Pharisees had heard of Jesus so He left Judea for Galilee via Samaria
• Jesus asks a Samaritan woman for a drink at the well; He tells her of the living water and her 5 husbands and she tells the town the news
• He stayed in Samaria 2 days and many believed
• A King's officer from Capernaum went to Galilee for Jesus to heal His son; Jesus sends him away telling him his son will live; he and his people then believed
• Jesus heals a man, sick 38 years, at the pools on Sunday and Jews begin to persecute Him
• Jesus authority comes from God; Jesus is the Son and works to please God, not Himself
• Jesus fed 5,000 who had followed Him with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish; then He went to the hills alone
• The followers went ahead in the boat on high waves, when Jesus walked out on water to them, calmed them and their boat was at their destination right away
• Jesus is the bread of life (His flesh); whoever believes has eternal life
• Spirit gives life
• God leads people to Jesus
• Jesus knew who believed and who would betray (Judas)
• Jesus brothers don't believe and people aren't talking openly about Jesus in fear
• Jesus teaches what comes from God, not Himself or other teachers
• Don't judge by looks, but by what is right
• Jews wanted to kill Jesus but He kept teaching because it wasn't the right time and some people were confused why He could keep teaching if His death was wanted
• They try to arrest Him; Jesus says not yet, but soon I will go where you can't find me
• The Holy Spirit will soon come for people
• People didn't agree with each other about Jesus {and they still don't today}
• The people bring Jesus a woman in adultery and ask if they should stone her for her sins; Jesus says the person without sin can throw the first stone; they all left, but Jesus
• Jesus is the light of the world, God is His witness
• Jesus does only what is pleasing to God and to know Jesus is to know the father, but people don't understand
• All honor comes from God
• The people bring Abraham, their father, to the discussion claiming Jesus cannot be greater than him, but Jesus says He was before Abraham and people throw rocks at Him
• People believed God talked to Moses and Abraham but not Jesus
• Jesus heals a man born blind and the Pharisees question him
• Sheep follow the voice of their shepherd because hey know him; follow Jesus, know his voice
• A good owner/shepherd protects His flock and doesn't leave when a wolf comes; He calls his flock together
• The people through they knew God better than Jesus
• Mary and Martha's brother Lazarus died and they sent for Jesus; Jesus went knowing he was dead and wept with them, but they went to the tomb and Jesus rose Lazarus from the grave
• Caiaphas foretold Jesus death to save many, the Jewish people
• Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus days before the Passover (preparation for death)
• Leading priests decide they want Lazarus dead to since that miracles is making believers
• Don't say 'father save me' but 'father, bring glory to you'
• Jesus didn't come to judge but to save
• Accept Jesus people = accept Jesus = accept God
• Jesus washes disciples feet
• Jesus talks of His death and Judas betrayal
• Jesus tells Peter he will deny knowing him 3 times
• Jesus is preparing a place in heave for His followers in the many rooms
• God will send the Holy Spirit to His people
• I am a branch, Jesus is the vine; can do nothing without Him
• Love each other as Jesus loves us
• Jesus is a friend
• Jesus followers don't belong to the world
• Jesus tells of what the Holy Spirit will come do
• Short term sadness at Jesus leaving will lead to long term joy
• Jesus will have victory over the world
• Jesus prays for His glory and His followers and those His followers teach to be safe, to join Him and to see the glory
• Judas leads them to arrest Jesus in the garden
• Simon Peter cuts of fa servants eat that comes to arrest and Jesus tells him to put the sword away
• Jesus is questioned by leaders and officials and Peter denies knowing Him
• Jesus connects one of His followers with His mother as family on the way to the cross
• The Jews choose to crucify Jesus and He dies and is buried
• Mary Magdalene finds the tomb empty and gets the followers
• Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and she rushes to give the message to the followers
• Jesus appears to the followers in locked rooms twice
• Jesus did so much more on Earth than is written
• Jesus appears again
• Jesus tells Peter to take care of His sheep
• Don't worry what Jesus is doing in another person (no comparisons); focus on your work Jesus leads you

A couple questions I had when reading John:

• Why does the writing describe one as "the one Jesus loved?" Why not list the name?  Jesus loved them all.
• There was a week between the first two times Jesus revealed himself to his followers after his resurrection, where was be the rest of the time?

Hope Heals

I finished this book on vacation last week.  It was an amazing story of love.  Yes, it was a story of hope too, but love was certainly profound throughout the story.  In sickness and in health commitment.  Their unwavering commitment to kindness, faith and each other is inspiring. 

Lilac Girls

This book has been on my to read list for awhile, and a co-worker recently had offered it up to borrow.  So of course I jumped at the chance!  In exchange I lent her The Alice Network, which is similar in nature and content. 

This book was an excellent read and compelling story of the strength of women and the challenges I fortunately cannot relate to in my life, but have compassion and love for the strength these women show in their suffering.

A friend of mine also recently told me that people who read stories are some of the more compassionate and loving people.  I hope that is something good that comes of my reading! 

Cereal

Ruth told me this morning when I poured her cereal into the bowl that she didn't need milk with her cereal.  It takes the flavor away from the cereal.

Elinore woke up this morning and the first words were: mom, my birthday is soon! She is SO excited for her upcoming birthday and her first birthday party with some friends from school.

With Love, Mom

I finished this book of short essays about being a mother of daughters and being a daughter while we were on vacation.  It was a good read, and may be even more impactful as my girls age.  It's a reminder to be a present parent and daughter. 

Luke

• Luke write his studies and teachings of Jesus in order
• Zechariah, a priest, saw an angel in the temple who told of his coming son (John) and his ways; he didn't believe and los his ability to speak
• Elizabeth, who was old, did become pregnant
• Elizabeth stayed home 5 months
• The same angel Zechariah saw, went to Mary and tells her she will be pregnant and have Jesus; Mary says let it be so, she BELIEVED
• Mary goes to Elizabeth & John leaped inside Elizabeth and she became full of the Holy Spirit
• Mary praises God, stays with Elizabeth 3 months and returns home
• John was born and their people rejoiced with them; at John's circumcision Elizabeth named him John, but people protested because it was not the family name
• Zechariah wrote "his name is John" and he could speak again and praised God
• John lived in the desert until he came out to preach to Israel
• Cesar required a registration of everyone so Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem and there it came time for Mary to give birth; there were no rooms in the inn, she wrapped Him in cloths, laid him in a manger
• Shepherd were in the field nearby when an angel appeared and told them of Jesus birth, so they went and saw and told Mary what the angel had said (she reassured it and through of those things)
• The baby was circumcised and named Jesus as the angel told Mary before the baby was growing in her
• Mary and Joseph took Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to present Him to God and make a sacrifice
• Simeon, a good and godly man, had the Holy Spirit and knew he wouldn't die before he saw Christ as promised, Simeon went to the temple and held baby Jesus
• Simeon declared Jesus a light to non-Jewish and a sign from God many people will not accept and what will happen ill make Joseph and Mary sad too
• Joseph and Mary were amazed at what Simeon said
• Prophetess Anna fasted and worshipped and prayed in the temple always, she met Jesus and thanked God and spoke about Him to those waiting for Jerusalem to be free
• Mary and Joseph took Jesus back to Nazareth and raised Him
• After the Passover feast in Jerusalem, Mary and Joseph headed home not realizing Jesus wasn't with them for a day; they went back to Jerusalem and found him in the temple listening and asking questions of the teachers
• Jesus told them He was in His father's house, but He returned with Mary and Joseph
• John preaches changed hearts; preparing the way for the Lord
• John preaches that your actions and life show your change, share your abundance and don't be greedy for more
• Jesus will come and baptize with the Holy Spirit
• John baptizes Jesus and the Holy Spirit comes
• Jesus family history (to Adam)
• Holy Spirit led Jesus to the desert to be tempted by the devil for 40 days without food - devil tempted Him for food, power and angels
• Jesus teaches and received praise, except in His hometown; Nazareth tried to send Him over a cliff, but Jesus walked through the crowd and away
• Jesus sent an evil spirit out of a man and news of Jesus spread
• Jesus heals Simon's mother-in-law from fever and she immediately serves them
• Jesus heals many more people who come to Him, then He went away to a lonely place; the people tried to get Him to return, but He must teach in other areas
• Jesus was teaching a crowd near the shore when He got in a boat and asked Simon to push off from the land so He could continue teaching
• After teaching, Jesus told Simon to put his nets in the deep water (after they'd fished all night for nothing) and they caught so many fish their nets were breaking and boats almost sinking
• Then they follow Jesus and fish for men (Simon, James, John)
• Jesus heals a man with a skin disease and sends him to make an offering quietly, but news of His works spread
• Jesus went away alone to pray often
• Jesus heals a paralyzed man brought to Him through a roof by his friends
• Jesus tells Levi the tax collector to follow Him and Levi hosts his friends and Jesus at dinner
• Jesus came for sinners (tax collectors were sinners)
• Jesus answers a question about His followers fasting - they will when Jesus is taken away
• Jesus followers picked grain to eat on the Sabbath and Pharisees questioned Him; Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath
• Jesus heals on the Sabbath because it is good, not evil and Pharisees are angry
• Jesus went away for the night to pray on the mountain, the next day He chose 12 apostles from His followers
• Jesus teaches and heals
• Love your enemies, give expecting nothing in return; even sinners love their friends
• The way you give to others is how God will give to you
• A student can be like the teacher not better
• Don't be a hypocrite
• You are known by the fruit you produce; you speak and act what is in your heart
• Build your house on rock (the Lord); the you can withstand water and shaking
• Jesus heals a soldiers servant - the solider had great faith
• Jesus brings a young man back to life during the funeral, he felt very sorry for the widowed mother
• John was more than a prophet, a messenger; but he is less important than the least important person in the kingdom of God
• Pharisees wouldn't be baptized by John
• Out of great love a woman (sinner) brought perfume and washed Jesus feet with her tears and dried with her hair - her sins were forgiven - as someone who's a bigger debt is forgiven is happier than a small debt washed away
• Jesus, his apostles and some women (healed of sickness) were a group
• Seed planting parable: beside the road = disbelief; rocky ground = shallow roots; thorny weeds = worry and pleasure rule; good soil = good fruit
• Use what you have and share it with others
• Family is who listens to God
• Jesus calms a storm when they are crossing a lake on a boat
• A man with many demons came to Jesus and He forced them out into pigs who ran and drown; the people were afraid once this happened and news spread and asked Jesus to leave - the healed man asked to go too, but Jesus told him to stay and tell of the good God did
• A woman, bleeding 12 years, touches Jesus and is healed because she believed; Jesus feels it and seeks her out in the crowd to hear her story and acknowledge her
• Jesus bring life back to Jarius's daughter (a synagogue leader)
• Jesus sent the apostles out to teach and heal and take nothing with them - He also warned them to shake the dirt off their shoes and leave if they aren't welcome
• Herod (governor) kept hearing people's ideas of who Jesus was: Elijah, John the Baptist, other prophet from long ago - all risen from the dead; Herod tried to see Jesus
• Apostles returned to tell Jesus of their trips alone together, but people discovered where they were and flocked to him (5,000)
• Apostles told Jesus to send the 5,000 away late in the day to find food and places to rest, but Jesus said feed them; Jesus thanked God for their 5 loaves and 2 fish and fed everyone
• Peter answers Jesus that He is the Christ and Jesus tells them not to tell anyone for He will suffer, die and rise
• To follow Jesus you must give up your life
• Jesus, Peter, James and John went up a mountain to pray, during Jesus prayer, His appearance changed and 2 men talked with Jesus (Moses & Elijah) about the coming events in Jerusalem; the disciples were sleepy but saw the glory of Jesus and Peter offered to build them tents, but a cloud covered them and claimed Jesus as His son and to listen to Him - Moses and Elijah were gone and for awhile Peter, James and John didn't tell people what they'd seen
• The next day down from the mountain a man shouted and asked Jesus to heal his only son from an evil spirit that the followers couldn't drive out; Jesus answered that people have no faith and wrong lives and Jesus commanded the demon to leave the boy
• Jesus says He will be handed over, but the followers were hidden from understanding
• The followers argued over who is the greatest, Jesus took a child and said they must accept a child in His name, whoever is least is really the greatest
• If not against you, then for you
• Jesus sent people ahead to prepare for Jerusalem, but the town didn't welcome Him so they went elsewhere  the followers asked if they should destroy the unwelcoming
• When you follow Jesus, you must not look back
• Jesus sends 12 our in pairs to harvest people and pray for more workers to harvest, carry nothing, stay where people give peace, leave if they don't
• If unbelievers refuse to accept the workers, they are refusing God
• Our happiness should come from salvation to heave not for worldly things or obedience of others to you
• Jesus is shown to those like children
• The good Samaritan parable - go and show mercy to people, be a neighbor
• Mary listened to Jesus, the guest, Martha worried and fretted about getting stuff done but that wasn't important, Mary's choice was the more important role
• The Lord's prayer
• Ask and you will find; God wants to help us
• Jesus power is from God not Satan; Satan wouldn't drive demons out and be divided; a house divided falls
• An empty person has room for evil spirits
• Hear God and obey = happiness
• People want a miracle, but none will be given; Jonah is a reminder to our sins
• Be a light and it shines to others; don't let any darkness in
• Jesus accuses Pharisees of focusing on appearance, not heart
• Teacher of the law were offended by Jesus teaching; Jesus told them they made laws they themselves couldn't follow and are hindering others from learning because they aren't
• Don't be a hypocrite, your words will be heard that are said inside, fear God for His power, but you are worth so much He knows how many hairs are on our heads
• Do not speak against the Holy Spirit
• The Holy Spirit will show you what to say
• Don't be greedy
• Storing up things for yourself in greed is useless, store things rich for God
• Seek God's kingdom first, not our own needs
• Do no worry, we cannot add life with worry
• Don't store money here, store faith and hope in heaven so your heart will be there
• Always be ready and welcoming for Jesus
• Much is expected of those with much (trusted)
• Jesus causes division
• Understand Jesus and scripture as we do our world
• Try to settle out of court with your enemy
• Change your hearts and lives so you aren't destroyed
• Those that died in events weren't more sinful than others
• A farmer wanted to get rid of a fig tree with no figs, but the servant asked for 1 more year to try to get it to produce
• Jesus healed a crippled woman with an evil spirit on the Sabbath and the synagogue leader was angry, but Jesus called them hypocrites, they care for their animals even on the Sabbath
• God's kingdom is like a mustard seed
• God's kingdom is like the yeast in the dough
• Jesus taught in many towns on the way to Jerusalem
• The heaven door is narrow; lowest will be high; high will be low
• Pharisees came to tell Jesus of Herod wanting to kill; Jesus says a few days to finish His journey to Jerusalem for He must die there and teach on His way
• People watched Jesus very closely
• Healing on the Sabbath ok for Jesus
• Don't make yourself important; choose a seat that is away and unimportant (humble to great)
• Give, expecting nothing in return
• Invite everyone not just your friends and family
• No one came that was invited to the banquet so they filled it with everyone from the streets
• Love Jesus first and most; give up everything and follow
• The lost sheep and lost coin are worth to be looked for - rejoicing in heave over sinners finding their way - celebrate them
• Celebrate the son who returned home because he learned and changed for good
• A rich man's manager was dishonest with the money he managed
• Dishonest with little = dishonest with lot
• Cannot serve 2 masters: God or worldly riches
• Important to people = hateful in God's sight
• The law of Moses stands
• Divorce and remarriage is adultery
• Lazarus with sores and poor laid at the rich man's gate for scraps of food; when Lazarus died He was with Abraham when the rich man died he could see Lazarus and Abraham from afar and sought help for himself and his family still living but they didn't believe the prophets
• Do not cause others to sin; warn others of sin and forgive them when they do
• Faith the size of a mustard seed can do a lot
• Serve others first, recognize we are unworthy servants doing work we are supposed to do
• Jesus sent 10 men with a skin disease to the priest and when 1 realized he was healed ran back to Jesus to give thanks
• God's kingdom is within you
• The son of man will come again as in the time of Noah and Lot in Sodom - people carried on, lived, drank married until they all died by flood or fire
• When this time comes, remember Lot's wife - don't look back/go back for anything; give up your life to save it
• Always pray, never loose hope
• Humbleness = right with God
• Accept the kingdom of God like a child - let the children come to Jesus
• Rich man asked Jesus how to get to heaven; obey rules, sell everything and follow Jesus
• Hard for rich to get to heaven
• Jesus told disciples of coming death and resurrection as prophets wrote, but understanding was kept from them
• A blind man calls to Jesus on the road and is healed for believing, he followed Jesus and thanked God - those who saw this praised God
• A short Zacheus tax collector ran ahead of Jesus and climbed a tree to see Him; Jesus called him down to stay at his house
• An important man gave coins to men before he left and told them to do business with them; 1 servant returned 10 coins; 1 5 coins and 1 returned 1 coin (should have at least used a bank for interest)
• Trusted with little = trusted with much
• Those with will be given more; those with none will loose everything
• Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey in praise
• Jesus prayed over Jerusalem's future for they didn't recognize God's good salvation
• Jesus turned the tables/den of robbers and threw them out of the temple; He taught in the temple daily
• Some leaders wanted to kill Jesus but didn't know how because so many listened
• Leaders question Jesus' authority
• A farmer leaves his vineyard for others to work and they hurt and kill the people that went to collect his share
• Spies tried to trick jess into saying something so they could turn Him in
• Do we pay taxes? Give Cesar what is his and God what is His.
• Try to trick Jesus again by asking about marriage for a 7x widow in heaven
• Christ is not the Son of David
• Jesus warns to beware of some teachers
• Rich give what they don't need, poor woman with 2 coins gave all she had
• Keep the faith in trails and persecution for your beliefs; it is an opportunity to share Jesus
• When Jerusalem is destroyed, run to the mountains and it will be hard
• When the son of man comes in a cloud in glory, look up in freedom coming
• Earth and sky will go, but never God's word
• Always be ready for Jesus and pray for strength
• Satan enters Judas and he agreed to turn Jesus over for money when he was away from the crowd
• Jesus followers prepare the Passover and they share it together
• Lord's supper takes place with the cup and the bread
• Jesus tells His followers someone will turn against Him
• Don't loose your faith, but before the rooster crows 3x Peter will deny Jesus
• Be prepared for trouble
• Jesus takes His followers to pray, but they fall asleep and He prays passionately alone in sweat and earnest for strength, but God's will to take place, not His
• Judas leads them to arrest Jesus
• Peter denies Jesus 3x
• They make fun of Jesus, but finds no problems
• Pilate, the Roman governor, question Jesus, but finds no problems
• Pilate sent Jesus to Herod who questioned Jesus but Jesus didn't answer; they made fun of Him and sent him back to Pilate
• Pilate and Herod had been enemies but became friends that day (both found no fault with Jesus)
• Pilate was going to punish and release Jesus but the crowd wanted crucifiction and a free Barabbas; Pilate asked 3x before he handed him over
• Simon from Cyrene helped carry Jesus cross
• Jesus is crucified with two other criminals one of them believed, one did not
• Jesus dies after 3 hours of darkness mid day and the temple curtain tears in tow
• A Jewish leader who hadn't been against Jesus took his body to a new tomb
• Women went to care for Jesus body but why are you looking for the living among the dead? - reminded of what Jesus taught and went and told disciples
• Jesus appeared to the followers and they were scared and amazed and happy
• Jesus showed himself to them so they knew He wasn't a ghost and He ate fish
• Jesus opened their minds to understand
• Jesus went with them to Bethany then left them for heaven; the followers went back to Jerusalem and worshipped and praised and stayed in the temple

Undone

This was a great read.  I tore through it like it was a novel and I couldn't wait to see the ending.

This Is How It Always Is

A friend of mine sent this book to me after she'd read it for book club.  The first half was an emotional struggling and very through provoking, but just as the characters in the book made peace and comfort with the middle ground of life, so did I.  We love others.  Simply.  We love others.  Like Jesus loved others.

A Love Worth Giving

This book walked through the piece of the love chapter in 1 Corinthians and explained in detail and examples what it means to love someone from Jesus standpoint.  It resonated and was a great reminder and learning to dive deep into something that can change how I love in our fallen world.

Cemetary/Heaven

We drove by a cemetary yesterday and Ruth asked if it was heaven. I said no, that's a cemetary.

There was a pause.

Then she said "well that's awkward."

Lent

So I did a thing over Lent.  My giving up for Lent to draw me closer and change my perspective was to give up cussing.

I found an app and downloaded it; and I started my own swear jar for Lent.

I didn't tell anyone what I was doing; it wasn't about getting recognition for it.  It was about me changing my perspective and response.  So, I didn't just count the swears I said out loud, but the ones in my head as well when I was upset or angry. 

$92 will be going to charity.

Scissors